Banking channels to promote trade ties between Turkmenistan, Pakistan

KARACHI: Banking channels between Turkmenistan and Pakistan are being developed on strong lines so as to facilitate trade between the two countries, said Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan here.

During a visit Wednesday to the office of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry he said close trade relations between the two countries was need of hour.

He in this context suggested exchange of delegations, single country exhibition and road shows to further streamline the efforts being made to strengthen the endeavour.

Talking to Alamgir Firoz, Chairman, FPCCI Standing Committee on Diplomatic Affairs and Maher Alam Khan, FPCCI Secretary General (Acting) he said Turkmenistan was providing no less than 16 crucial facilities, free of cost, to the investors.

Atadjan Movlamov said his country, with 100% literacy rate, is particularly interested to collaborate with Pakistan in health and education sectors.

Referring to MoUs signed between the two countries, he said the two are not only interested in expanding trade and economic relations” but also share similar views on matters related to regional peace and stability.

Maher Alam Khan said under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Pakistan has finalised land routes meant to provide access to Central Asian states, such as Turkmenistan to Pakistan. Both Turkmenistan and Pakistan are members of the Economic Cooperation Organization, he said mentioning Ashgabat Agreement between the two countries will enable Pakistan to import natural gas. Maher Alam Khan also referred to the Lapis Lazuli corridor designed to facilitate trade between the two and also the commitment made by Pakistan to support Turkmenistan in its endeavor for sustainable transport system.

“Regional connectivity and economic integration are key pillars of Pakistan’s foreign policy,” said Alam and proposed formation of Joint Business Council between Pakistan and Turkmenistan. Gurbanov Begench, 1st Secretary and Consul of Turkmenistan and a senior member of FPCCI, Yaqub Tabani also expressed their views on the occasion.